ABUJA — Concerns are mounting over the silent cancellation of valid visas belonging to Nigerian citizens by the United States Embassy, with no official response yet from the Federal Government.
The development was brought to light in a recent article by Olufemi Soneye, former spokesperson of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), published on Premium Times. He described the situation as a wave of “quiet revocations” that has left many Nigerians stranded and frustrated.
According to Soneye, several professionals, entrepreneurs, frequent travellers, and families have confirmed receiving official letters from the embassy in recent weeks, directing them to submit their passports to the US consulate in Lagos or Abuja. Shockingly, upon submission, their previously valid visas were cancelled without further explanation.
The cancellation notices reportedly cited Title 22, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 41.122, which allows visa revocation if “new information became available after the visa was issued.” However, no details or evidence were provided to the affected individuals.
Among those hit by the revocations are a prominent journalist, the head of a federal government agency scheduled to deliver an international address, and an Abuja-based entrepreneur with a clean travel history. Others include frequent travellers who depend on US visas for education, medical treatment, family reunions, and critical business engagements.
“Beyond that, nothing is explained. No evidence is shared. No avenue for appeal is offered. Recipients are merely advised to reapply if they wish – an instruction that provides no comfort to those suddenly stripped of their mobility,” Soneye wrote.
As of press time, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not issued any official statement or reaction to the development, leaving affected citizens and observers demanding answers.
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